Sun Safety: Staying Protected this Summer

Summer is here and that means hot weather, spending time in the sun, and outdoor activities such as swimming. The sun has some benefits such as vitamin D, but it also has its cons.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the rays that come from the sun and they can be damaging to our bodies. They can lead to sunburns, aging, and skin cancer. As we are exposed to more UV light and get more sunburns, our risk of developing skin cancer increases.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind this summer when you are spending time outside:

1. Applying sunscreen and re-applying it every few hours: Applying sunscreen is one of the best ways to stay protected when you are in the sun. Most people just apply it to their face once a day, but it is important to re-apply sunscreen up to six times a day. It is also important to be applying it all over our bodies, even if we are wearing clothes.
   

2. Protect yourself with clothing: Clothing can be a great way to hide from UV rays. It covers ourselves from the UV rays directly hitting our bodies. Darker colors and tightly woven clothes are particularly better ways of protecting your skin.

3. Avoid indoor tanning all-year round: Having tanned skin is not healthy for you and tanning beds are not a better alternative either. By tanning indoors, there is an increased chance of developing a skin cancer called melanoma, which is potentially fatal. Some states have even passed laws to prevent children from being exposed to indoor tanning.

4. Spend more time in the shade: When the sun is at its peak (10am-4pm) it is important to be in the shade. If at the beach or in an only outdoor setting, try to bring an umbrella or tent.

5. Choose the right sunscreen for you: Sunscreens with the most protection have high SPF and/or broad spectrum. These are the best options to use and finding one that is water-resistant can be better if you are going into the water. It is still important to be re-applying sunscreen every two hours.

6. Skin exams for those who are high risk for skin cancer: A monthly skin exam can be performed to find skin cancer and other problems early on. Healthcare providers like dermatologists would be the most helpful for this.

7. Learn more about sun safety and risks: In schools and at home we should be teaching children that it is important to put sunscreen on, especially during peak hours. We should strive for staying in the shade and being protected in the sun.